When Italian explorer Giovanni Caboto (or John Cabot as he is locally known) first discovered North America in 1497, his first words were “O buono vista!”. When translated into English, this phrase means, “Oh happy sight!”, which is certainly fitting for what would become the town of Bonavista, the historic site of Cabot's landing.

Rocky shores, pebbled beaches and picturesque fishing boats line small formations of houses, new and old. Whales, seabirds, and icebergs are usual guests along the amazing shorelines surrounded by dense trees. In “The Dungeon”, the cliffs give way into a mammoth, natural opening with two seaward-side channels.

In the harbour, step inside a full-size floating replica of Cabot's ship, The Matthew, and imagine how the explorer might have felt on his epic voyage to North America.

Catch a glimpse of 10,000-year-old icebergs from the top of the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site, and look out over the horizon where our lightkeepers have stood watch since the 1840s. If you look close enough, you might catch a glimpse of a puffin nesting ground just behind the lighthouse. Now if that doesn’t brighten up your day, nothing will.

After you've explored all of Bonavista's heritage buildings, stroll along narrow roads and quaint laneways. Friendly and approachable people say hello in distinctive accents reminiscent of our Irish and English ancestors. At Christmastime, it's not uncommon to bump into traditional “mummers”, locals dressed in outlandish disguises visiting from house to house – laughing, singing and dancing until all hours of the night.

When you visit the town of Bonavista, you might be hard-pressed to decide what impresses you most: the community's tangible history, its traditional personality, or the stunning beauty of this place. A trip to Bonavista is not only a happy sight, but a happy stay as well.

Getting Here:

Bonavista is located on the island of Newfoundland on the Discovery Trail Route 230, just 3 hours from both Gander and the Argentia ferry, and 3½ hours from the capital city of St. John's.

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Directions

Driving distances and calculations derived using Google Maps. Actual driving times may vary. GPS coordinates have been provided by tourism operators. Please confirm location with operator before departure.

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The tour company that brought you the original Eco-Culture Experience is back with a journey into the kitchens of our new cuisine. CapeRace has dreamed up 8 days for the gut-foundered that include stays in the coastal foodie hotbed of St. John’s, the Bonavista Peninsula & the famed Fogo Island Inn. Emphasis is on the local- local inspirations and local people doing extraordinary things with traditional ingredients. Along the way you’ll see whales & icebergs, coastal villages & lighthouses.

The key we give you to three restored coastal homes unlocks more than doors. It opens what National Geographic Traveler calls “one of the world’s most transformative travel experiences.” Meet the local characters whose spirit and wit gives their neighbours endless glee. With our home-grown guide book written for the trip and an unlimited distance vehicle, find the places you want to see, get close to wildlife, and hike trails to pristine spots that transform the spirit.

A three hour tour viewing spectacular marine scenery, whales, icebergs, bald eagles and nesting sea birds complete with tea with the whales on our custom built Zodiac. Tea includes a variety of hot and cold beverages and locally made baked goods.

The landscape around Cape Bonavista is described as desolate and barren. However, it is rich with life. Take a walk around the Cape with our staff and explore the diversity of life. Depending on the season you’ll get a chance to taste some of the berries found in the area such as partridgeberries and blueberries. The Cape is also a great place for iceberg spotting, bird watching, and whale watching. You might even see puffins as they take off from their dens on a nearby island, only metres away.

Whether you arrive or depart Newfoundland via St. John’s, our five day tour will bring you to sites where birds congregate, whales relentlessly pursue their supper, a culture comes alive & North America’s easternmost city thrives around a harbour filled with ships & history. Then to Trinity & Bonavista where gorgeous outports serve as a backdrop to theatre & museums telling our history. We will fill the days you are in the province with as many memories & experiences as you can absorb.

Valid 15 May - 30 Sep 2017.
Tour includes 4 nights accommodations in St. John's, 5 day car rental, site passes, and puffin tour. Price based on double occupancy. All prices in Canadian dollars. Applicable taxes include 15% HST. Don't have five days? Ask us about customized itineraries based on your schedule.

This two hour hike is led by a biologist/educator and takes you to a secluded location near Bonavista. The scenery will leave you in awe as we hike past seven puffin colonies close to the trail. Fill your lungs with the sea breeze as you learn about the geology, plants and animals that form this amazing coastline. Guests receive a free high definition puffin photo (via email) and checklist of things we expect to see on the trail. We also provide a telescope for your puffin viewing pleasure.

Learn the art of creating from wood! Working with our skilled and knowledgeable Cooper, this experience provides children an opportunity to learn how to use some of the traditional hand tools to build a craft (e.g. birdhouse, car, truck or whale). Practice hands-on skills while learning the heritage of the carpentry trades applied in NL. This workshop will also include a safety talk about working with tools. Safety goggles are provided. Children will take home their own craft creation. Ages 7+

A Newfoundland boil-up is also often referred to as a “Mug-up”. It is one of Newfoundland’s favorite traditions where a group of friends or family gather on a beach to enjoy tea and a snack over an open fire. On this adventure, you can look forward to sampling salt fish, lobster, capelin, cod cheeks, cod tongues, moose, mussels or cod. Each sampling will be accompanied by homemade bread, buns and preservatives.

Our tour travels up the coast of Bonavista Bay through the coastal fishing communities from Bonavista to Keels. Learn about the unique history and enriched culture of each coastal town along the way. While in Keels we will stop to explore some unique geological features such as the ‘Devil’s Footprints.” Ending the tour off with a hike to the light house, which provides access to spectacular coastal scenery and remarkable geological sequences such as the Crown Hill formation at Brook Point.

Discover the fascinating past and vibrant present of Bonavista, first discovered by Italian explorer Giovanni Caboto (or John Cabot as he is locally known) in 1497. On this tour, you will discover interesting facts about Bonavista’s early settlement and development, the town’s unique built heritage and architectural treasures. You’ll have the opportunity to visit some re-purposed heritage buildings along Church Street which now are local artisan shops– a great opportunity to do a little shopping

This exclusive tour experience includes key historic sites that tell the story of the East Coast Fishery. And because craft enhances our story, the tour includes visits to studios where you will meet local craft producers & artisans. Find out what inspires them to create while you shop for quality, hand-crafted products or that special one-of-a-kind creation. From the Merchant's Plantation in Trinity to Bonavista, your guide is well versed in culture and craft. *Wednesdays & Sundays Only.

Valid 1 Jul - 7 Oct 2017.
Cost includes admission to historic sites & shops, tour guide and transportation. Lunch is at your own cost but expect to pay $20 - $25. Weather can be unpredictable in Newfoundland & Labrador so it is suggested you wear suitable footwear and dress comfortably. *Tours can be customized. **Cancellation made less than 24 hours prior to the day of the tour will incur full charge. ***Special group tours can be arranged for alternate days and group size. Minimum Passagers - 3 per tour.

Sing your heart out on this 5 day adventure in a magical place - Port Rexton - on the Bonavista Peninsula. Designed for all skill levels. Expert leadership. This unique experience enables personal growth and contribution, through group singing, in a relaxed atmosphere. Stay at the 4.5 star Fishers’ Loft Inn. There are daily opportunities to hike the Skerwink Trail, enjoy yoga & fine dining, or just inhale the restorative vapors! The adventure concludes with a song sharing evening in Bonavista.